Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Brand Loyalty?

So Elton Brand opts out of his contract with the LA Clippers, in order to "give them more payroll flexibility to strengthen the team around him". In the first day of free agency the Clippers secure Baron Davis, a phenomenal move, as he's a top 5 NBA PG. Brand told ESPN on June 30th that his intention was to "stay with the Clippers". On July 8th, he verbally committed to the Philadelphia 76ers, so what happened?

Likely, a 5 year deal at $85 million, playing in a weaker conference, closer to home and on an improving team that's guaranteed to make the playoff this year. Justified, and at the end of the day, it's his decision, but if I'm the Clippers or Baron, I'm pissed. While I wasn't part of those discussions it seemed like he had basically given his word on coming back. Does that make him a bad guy, or is it just business?

The last time a Dukie gave his "word" in a free agent situation? Carlos Boozer with the Cavaliers and Jazz situation, and karma caught up with him in a bad way. He was injured and only played in 84 out of a possible 162 games in his first two season with Utah.

Selfishly, I just hate the fact that after the Raptors just got better in their front court, the Sixers land an all-star caliber player for us to have to worry about. It's going to be a busy off season.